Rocket 305

Thank you, Mike, for the congrats; and, thanks for the point-out. I am working on my instrument now. Amazing how much I thought I knew about instrument flying but still learning in the CFII coursework! It's been an intense effort but oh so rewarding!

There hasn't been a fly-in in the Midwest since @mike_elliott abandoned us for warmer weather. It is long overdue for getting together again. I created a club here, "Midwest Mooney Flyers." If you are within the Midwest states, please join. I'm hoping to do this soon, perhaps November 13/14. There is a survey (external link) there asking what, where, when, how often, etc. for our event(s). Even if you can't make this one, please join the club and fill out the survey so we can plan. I hope to see some old friends and meet some new ones!

I have been waiting since Dynon announced the Skyview HDX would be get the STC for Mooneys in 2017 (IIRC). They do have the basic system approved by they have been getting the autopilot approved for the last two years or so. It hasn't been critical so I've been (sort of) patiently waiting. In the interim, I bought a Dynon D3 portable, which I thought would be nice as a short term add-on. It came, worked for a day at home and then wouldn't work day 2. A call to Dynon tech support and they agreed it had failed. They were to send a replacement "right away"; nearly two weeks later and it never arrived. I replied back to the still open ticket and they said they would get it out that day; it never arrived. A couple more emails, no-reply. Finally they said (for a third time), it would go out that day. All of this is for a sub-$900 item. I decided to return it and move on. I gave Gulf Coast Avionics, where I bought the unit, the story and they were kind and immediately issued a return authorization, and a note something to the effect that it isn't unusual for Dynon to PIA to deal with. I can't imagine re-doing my entire panel with a bunch of their equipment which would entire ground my plane for who knows how long if I had a need for a part and this is how they do business. Was my experience a one-off? Are the MSers who have good experience with Dynon? Should I buy a G3X or G500 instead? It is a LOT more cash but worth it if they support their products in a timely, professional manner. Any guidance?

Hey Mooney flyers. It's been ages since we've had a fly-in in the Midwest. I figured it's time to fix that. So, weigh in with your preferences. Poll on getting our first fly-in started. I am thinking we could get this going for a fly-in on Saturday, November 13, or Sunday, November 14, 2021.

2018 is gone, so is 2019, 2020, and soon 2021, and no Dynon autopilot STC; best case is 2022. My original avionics and instruments are degrading rapidly. I may have to go with Garmin instead

Is the not wanting to do leather for ethical reasons or just don't like the feel? If the former, there are some great synthetic "pleather" materials out there. The feel of that versus metal, whether powder coated or whatever, is going to be more comfortable. The metal is always going to be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter and generally less comfortable in any scenario. Whatever your reason, I would talk to Hector at AeroComfort.com for suggestions.

It looks like today is another one it isn't working. Is there an almanac for divining when to do 3 letter searches?

I have two RG-35AXCs. I keep them on a BatteryMinder anytime the plane is in the hangar. The BatteryMinder is showing they aren't fully charged but the voltage is usually between 13.7-13.9V. They still crank my TSIO-520 to a start in 2-3 seconds. No complaints, I bought them in early 2009! Who gets 11 years out of a pair of batteries? Kudos to how they build them. And, say what you want, I personally believe that the BatteryMinder is the critical difference.

It doesn't look like the search is working.

I just received my ElectroAir kit with switches replacing Bendix key switch (and accompanying recurring AD), it is going into the shop soon. I'll give a PIREP when able.

PIREP: Five years ago when I needed to replace my 121.5 old unit, I did a lot of research on ELTs. The Pointer Avionics SkyHunter 406 ELT was definitely the best choice out there at the time with its built-in GPS. Also, I learned that a higher than acceptable percentage of the time ELTs do not go off because of the attitude of the impact, airplane ELTs only go off in the forward direction. People have died after surviving the crash but found too long to be saved (Steve Fossett??). I learned that helicopter ELTs will activate in any inertial direction of impact. Needless to say, if you crash, you want your ELT to work, every time; "usually" is not good enough, and that is the model I bought. This is worth thinking about whatever brand you buy. Anyway, I did buy the SkyHunter and all has been fine until now. It is five years later and the battery is now due for replacement. I found out that Pointer Avionics is either out of business or not making ELTs anymore, in either case, batteries are no longer available. Luckily (and the reason I am posting this), I found a thread on another site that MERL in Meriden, Connecticut (203.237.8811) is able to "overhaul" the battery and certify it airworthy for another five years. They charge $300 for the battery and $135 for testing and recertifying the ELT. They say they typically turn it around in a couple days. Rob also said they are trying to work out an arrangement with the guy who owned the now-defunct Pointer Avionics so they can do the batteries as a PMA, hopefully, that will happen before five years runs down to my next replacement. Also, they mentioned if you have a spare ELT sitting around the hangar, they may buy it from you for parts.

I got mine done at Home Depot, hardware store, etc. The one I got done at Home Depot is Axxess brand blank and the number is 80. My ignition and door locks are different cuts (same blank). I get the blank with a red plastic head for the ignition and blue or green for the door. I hate the idea of losing keys... I keep a set (with hangar key) everywhere (both cars, briefcase, flight bag, FBO, kitchen drawer, desk drawer, etc.). good luck!

I had work done on my K at C&W at Caldwell (MSC) and Sean and team were very good. They did some good avionics work and basic maintenance in a couple visits. I would recommend them without hesitation. And ditto on using a MSC.